will_worm's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Man I wish I was that silly looking cat
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
- As a cat person, this manga absolutely stole my heart 🥺 Fukumaru is the 'ugly' cat at the shelter, so no one adopts him and he keeps getting left behind in favor of cute kittens ... until one day a man comes in to take him home. We get Fukumaru's perspective and see his thoughts about his new home. The story was SO sweet, I couldn't help but get emotional as it was so heartbreaking to see how long Fukumaru was alone and how he still expects his luck to turn around. He's just so full of gratitude for this new life and still has underlying abandonment issues 💔
- On the other side, Kanda also seems lonely. He's full of love for his new cat, so I immediately warmed to him. Yet, he also seems to suffer from a great personal loss and is still grieving. This seems like the kind of story where both sides are going to help each other build a happier life!
- The only thing that was a bit much is Fukumaru's manner of speech. There are a TON of words replaced with 'meow' etc. and it was too corny for me. I can easily see this manga not working for some people, as the specific kind of humor here isn't for everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Grief
achay91's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
kylieqrada's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
So pure!! So sweet!! This was beyond adorable, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Abandonment, and Death
readandfindout's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
Style/writing: 3.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Art: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Art: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death
clarabooksit's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
cait's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment and Grief
kloughlin's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Grief, and Bullying
ollie_again's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, and Grief
inamerata's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Collected review for vol. 1-9.
A delightful, heartwarming series about love, music, and, of course, cats.
The premise is simple: when a kindly widower, Fuyuki Kanda, adopts a long-overlooked cat, Fukumaru, they quickly develop a deep and loving bond. This has a ripple effect on Kanda’s life, easing his grief and helping him connect with others again.
Umi Sakurai has a sweet, expressive style that works equally well in silly and serious moments. As the story progresses, she begins to incorporate some longer and dramatic plots that dig into grief and loneliness and jealousy, but these are balanced out by the levity of mini-comics about the daily joys of cats. As a result, even when the characters are international musical stars, their emotions and struggles feel relatable and engaging.
I appreciate how she uses little moments throughout — a trip to the vet, inviting a friend to a concert — to progress the story and show character growth. It is often painful or bittersweet, but leads to new joys that would otherwise be impossible. The cats' unique personalities complement their human counterparts, as well, letting lots of dynamics shine.
I’ve actually teared up reading this more than once, such as
My complaints with this series are few. Some of the wordplay/cat jokes don’t work as well in translation (e.g., “meowy” instead of “my”), which was distracting and quickly wore thin even as someone who usually enjoys them. The larger plots can jump around in time/location, so it was occasionally hard to keep everything in order. And lastly, this is a very male-centric story, with very few women, all in limited roles. Ms. Sato and Sorako are coming more into focus now, so I am hopeful for some changes going forward, though. :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief